Thieves Caught On Video - Paula SWIFT & Holly WELLER Charged

Source: Area OPPDate: Sat Aug 18 03:52:49 MST 2018

(CENTRE WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP, ON) - Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have summonsed two Centre Wellington women to criminal court following the completion of a police investigation into a shoplifting incident that occurred July, 2018 at the Freshco grocery store located on St. Andrews Street West in Fergus.

On July 15, 2018 at approximately 12:36 p.m. Wellington County OPP officers responded to a report of a shoplifting incident at the Freshco grocery store. The suspects had left the scene but the complainant had video surveillance of the incident as well as a photo of the licence plate from the vehicle they left in.

Investigation revealed that the store owner observed two women acting in a suspicious manner, exit the store through the entrance door twice with a cart full of groceries, already bagged and put in bins without making any attempt to pay prior to exiting the store. He followed them out into the parking lot and requested to see the receipt which they were unable to produce. The pair returned to the store with the groceries and the complainant and given the opportunity to pay for the groceries which they declined. They were unable to provide valid identification to the complainant and were advised that the police were going to be notified.

The females returned to their vehicle at which time the complainant captured a photo of the licence plate prior to them leaving the scene which was later provided to police.

Officers were able to confirm the identity of both parties involved and summons were issued. The estimated value of food returned to the store was approximately $470.00.

45-year-old Paula SWIFT of Centre Wellington Township and 61-year-old Holly WELLER of Fergus both been charged with Theft under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. They are schedule to appear in Guelph Criminal Court on August 24, 2018 to answer to the charges.